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The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Exorcising a Syro-Phoenecian (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThough Jesus came as the Promised Seed in whom all nations would be blessed (Psalm 72:11; Luke 2:32; Romans 15:9-12), and declared that other sheep beyond Israel must be brought to Him (John 10:16), His personal ministry was deliberately restricted to Israel, mainly Judea and Galilee. Fulfilling the Messianic, redemptive promises to the Jews came first, and the good news of Gentile salvation was reserved until that responsibility was met. His work began locally in preparation for spreading to all nations, as His followers, empowered by His death and resurrection, would carry the gospel into the whole world. The Syro-Phoenician woman, a pagan with no normal claim on Him, is one of the scattered instances of Gentiles receiving His goodness, forerunners of the Spirit being poured out on Israelite and Gentile alike (Acts 10; Romans 11:11). Jesus' statement about "children" (Israelites) and "little dogs" (Gentiles) acknowledged the normal Jewish-Gentile divide, but the mild word for household puppies left room for hope. Her humble, resourceful faith, asking only for crumbs, looked ahead to being counted among God's children (Galatians 3:26). By granting her request, Jesus shows that the Gentiles' potential for salvation is no less than that of Israelites.
The Priesthood of God (Part Nine)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The jeweled arrangement on the breastplate in Exodus 28, arranged in marching order, symbolizes differences in gifts and responsibilities of the tribes.
Servant of God, Act II: God's Gift of Faith
Article by Charles WhitakerThe story of Ebed-Melech goes far beyond a historical vignette. His story is an allegory of God's grace to the Gentiles.
Peter's Trumpets Message—on Pentecost
'Prophecy Watch' by Charles WhitakerPeter's first sermon took place on the Day of Pentecost, yet his subject seems to 'fit' the Day of Trumpets. Here is how Pentecost and Trumpets relate.
The Priesthood of God (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The ephod, the curious girdle, and the breastplate of judgment were part of the high priest's attire that teach us godly principles today.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Nineteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The seven 'I will' promises Got made to Abraham were truly foundational promises, impacting the lives of multiple billions of people up to the present day.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Seven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe New Covenant, which writes God's law onto the heart, in no way does away with any aspect of the law. Works do not justify us, they sanctify us.
When Is the Year of Release (Shemitah)?
Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe anchor point of both the Shemitah and Jubilee is the Day of Atonement. Deuteronomy should be read at the Feast just after the year of release begins.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 7)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJeremiah compares studying and meditating upon God's Word to physical eating, enabling a person to receive spiritual energy, vitality, and health.
Matthew (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus didn't break the Sabbath, but he did break extra-legal fanatical human custom applied to the Sabbath apart from God's Law.